| November 13, 2009 | News for hotel and lodging professionals |
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- Las Vegas poised for rebound as room occupancy rises
Las Vegas may be on track for a rebound as visitors return and room occupancy rises. "We're seeing clear signs of stability and recovery, but to be certain, we're not out of the woods, and no one is popping champagne," said Alan Feldman, a spokesman for MGM Mirage. Hotels and casinos are still dropping room rates to lure visitors, and many are expanding marketing to small groups rather than large conventions. The Washington Times
(11/13)
     
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- Hundreds of Holiday Inns could lose brand affiliation
As many as 300 Holiday Inn hotels in North America could be stripped of their brand affiliation next year if they fail to make upgrades in line with the brand's $1 billion overhaul by Feb. 1. In addition to meeting minimum quality specifications laid down by parent company InterContinental Hotels Group, the hotels are required to install signs with the chain's new logo, new exterior lighting, new bedding and new towels and redecorate lobbies. The Wall Street Journal
(11/13)
- Palm Beach resort becomes Marriott
Urgo Hotels has purchased Palm Beach, Fla.'s Resort at Singer Island out of bankruptcy and is rebranding the 239-suite condo-hotel property as a Marriott. The property has been renamed the Palm Beach Marriott Singer Island Beach Resort & Spa and features waterfront one- and two-bedroom suites. Travel Weekly
(11/12)
- Prominent Atlanta airport Renaissance among hotels facing uncertainty
The 387-room Atlanta Renaissance Concourse hotel near Hartsfield-Jackson Atlanta International Airport may soon belong to Massachusetts Mutual Life Insurance Co. in the latest case in a growing number of hotels that are falling delinquent on their loans. The hotel's current owner, Sunstone Hotel Investors, notified its investors that it had defaulted on a $246.3 million loan that is secured by the Renaissance and 10 other hotels. American City Business Journals/Atlanta
(11/13)
| Market Trends | | |
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- Demand decline forces independent hotels to turn to chains
Independent hotel owners are struggling to cope with rising vacancies, which have forced many to rush to the arms of the large hotel chains. For frequent travelers, the shift gives them the opportunity to stay at boutique-style properties and still get their loyalty points. USA TODAY
(11/12)
- Luxury hotels reach out to budget-minded travelers
High-end hotels in Boston and elsewhere are promoting perks and packages designed to reach beyond their affluent clientele and appeal to the tighter-budgeted masses. At the Copley Plaza Hotel, for instance, a Black Friday package is being offered starting at $279 a night, in which guests can be shuttled 45 minutes away to an outlet mall for discount shopping. The St. Regis is offering a fourth night free for guests who stay three nights. TheStreet.com
(11/12)
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- U.S. hotel construction pipeline could be emptied in 2 years
The U.S. hotel construction pipeline hit its lowest point in three years in the third quarter, with just 3,890 properties under construction or in the planning stages, according to Lodging Econometrics. Project cancellations, meanwhile, continue at an elevated pace and with two years of declines coming up, the pipeline will in effect be emptied, said Patrick Ford, president of Lodging Econometrics. GlobeSt.com
(11/12)
- New, renovated hotels boost accommodation choices on Martinique
Despite declining numbers of visitors, the Caribbean island of Martinique is building up its hotel room inventory. New and newly renovated properties on the island include the new Pomme Cannelle Village, featuring 16 guest apartments; La Suite Villa, with six suites and nine villas; and the 24-room L'Imperatrice, which has reopened following an extensive renovation. Travel Weekly
(11/12)
| AH&LA News | | |
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Cut music and licensing fees by up to 5%
AH&LA members receive a discount on ASCAP, BMI and SESAC licensing fees. These companies represent unique listings and do not overlap in their offerings. To learn more and download licensing agreements, visit the Members Only section of www.ahla.com.
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Nominate your star programs and employees for prestigious award
Give your staff the highest compliment by submitting a Stars of the Industry award nomination. This national honor recognizes both outstanding employees and programs, and winners are awarded at a ceremony during the AH&LA Summer Summit in June. Entering a nomination is free and open to all members. For more information, visit www.ahla.com/stars or contact Bevin Padden at bpadden@ahla.com or (202) 289-3177.
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